Basketball has been enjoying a commendable rise in Rwanda throughout the past years. The sport has not only produced a host new talents but initiatives associated with it off the court also continue to bring positive impact to the community. In celebration of International Women’s Day, Shooting Touch Rwanda (STR), in collaboration with Bugesera District and Rilima Health Center, hosted Basketball-For-Equality Day on March 9. Held in Rilima Sector, Bugesera District, the event attracted over 500 community members to promote gender equality, encourage physical activity, and improve access to health services through basketball. The initiative sought to challenge traditional gender roles in sports while fostering an inclusive space for women and girls to showcase their talent. Throughout the day, participants engaged in high-energy basketball competitions, discussions on gender equality, and free health screenings for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and HIV. The event reflected ongoing efforts to empower women in rural Rwanda and address systemic gender disparities through sports and health education. Basketball was the highlight as four competitive games brought together women's teams in U13 and U18 girls’ and boys’ teams from Rilima and Mayange sectors. The matches served as a platform for young women to demonstrate their athletic abilities, directly challenging gender stereotypes in sports. Rilima teams dominated all four games, securing victories and reinforcing the growing presence of female athletes in basketball. “This event is good for the players because they desire to compete, and this allows them to play and represent their community. It's even more incredible because we emerged as champions in every game,” said David Hagenimana, the head coach of Shooting Touch Rwanda, Rilima. The event created a platform for education on gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Local leaders, including Apollinaire Bamurange, the Gender Officer at Bugesera District, and Ephraim Sebarundi, the executive secretary at Bugesera District, advocated for equal opportunities and the elimination of gender discrimination in all aspects of society. “Everyone’s rights matter and must be fully respected,” said Bamurange. “Our country’s vision is shared and equal welfare, security, and protection of every citizen, with no gender-based discrimination. We must put all our efforts together and find solutions to the challenges we encounter. This will lead us to common and shared development, where no one is left behind because of being male or female.” Sebarundi commended the participation of women’s teams in the basketball activities and called for greater inclusion of women in all spheres of life, including sports. “The Mayange and Rilima women’s teams have shown us outstanding basketball matches. let’s appreciate this gender equality in sports and integrate gender equality principles into the lives of young boys and men.” A key component of the event was the provision of free NCD and HIV screenings, aimed at increasing healthcare access for community members. Over 157 individuals, received health check-ups, gaining insights into their well-being and receiving referrals for further care when needed. According to Benjamin Tuyishimire, the Health Monitoring and Evaluation Officer of Shooting Touch Rwanda, it’s important for individuals to know their health status, hence, they are encouraged to visit health facilities and take the initiative in improving their well-being. “Those who receive abnormal or positive test results receive health counseling and are encouraged to join Shooting Touch to learn more about ways to improve their health, such as reducing alcohol consumption or how to control their blood sugar,” said Tuyishimire. While those with positive test results get access to treatment or medication Rilima Health Center, individuals with more serious health needs are referred to district hospitals for further treatment. Additionally, they are given informational flyers to educate them on these health matters.
